GPS-enabled bracelets to help monitor offenders: CM

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday said his government was committed to transforming the Sindh police into an efficient, technology-driven force to enhance public safety and foster trust in law enforcement among people.

He said this while addressing the participants of the 51st Specialised Training Program and the 27th Initial Command Course for ASPs at the CM House on Tuesday. Attendees included Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, PSCM Agha Wasif, IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, and others.

CM Shah said that the Sindh police, established in 1843, is the oldest police force in the subcontinent and is undergoing significant modernisation to tackle contemporary law enforcement challenges. "With a sanctioned strength of 162,000 personnel, Sindh police is the second-largest force in Pakistan, dedicated to crime prevention, detection, and maintaining law and order," he said.

The chief minister listed several initiatives aimed at enhancing the police force's capacity and efficiency. One important project in Sindh, according to him, was the Smart Surveillance System (S4 Project), which involves installing surveillance cameras at 40 toll plazas across the province. "This system is intended to provide real-time monitoring at critical entry and exit points, improving response times and situational awareness while streamlining police operations using advanced intelligence tools," he added.

The Karachi Safe City Project is designed to enhance the Sindh police's capabilities, ensuring greater public safety in Pakistan's largest city, he said.

Discussing the government's efforts against crime, CM Shah referred to the Sindh Habitual Offenders Monitoring Act, 2022, which allows for the electronic tagging of habitual criminals involved in street crimes such as robbery, extortion, and vehicle theft. He explained that GPS-enabled anklets and bracelets will enable real-time monitoring of offenders, promoting safer neighbourhoods across the province.

Talking about budget allocations for the Police Department, the chief minister stated that significant funds have been earmarked to strengthen key departments within the police force. "The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has received Rs2.7 billion, the Special Branch Rs1.2 billion, and the Investigation Branch Rs600 million for investigation costs," he said and added that incentives for investigating officers (IOs) who secure convictions have been included. Around Rs6 billion has been allocated for police stations, with SHOs now granted Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) powers.